Topical Encyclopedia
The Apostle Peter, one of the foremost leaders of the early Christian church, was instrumental in performing miracles that demonstrated the power of God working through His servants. Among these miracles, the healing of the sick stands out as a testament to the divine authority bestowed upon Peter by Jesus Christ.
Healing of AeneasOne of the notable instances of Peter healing the sick is recorded in the Book of Acts. In
Acts 9:32-35, Peter visits the town of Lydda, where he encounters a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" (
Acts 9:34). Immediately, Aeneas is healed, and he rises to his feet. This miraculous healing leads many in Lydda and the surrounding region of Sharon to turn to the Lord, illustrating the evangelistic impact of such divine acts.
Raising of Tabitha (Dorcas)Another significant miracle performed by Peter is the raising of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, from the dead. This event is detailed in
Acts 9:36-42. Tabitha, a disciple in Joppa known for her good works and acts of charity, falls ill and dies. The believers in Joppa, having heard of Peter's presence in nearby Lydda, send for him urgently. Upon arrival, Peter is taken to the upper room where Tabitha's body is laid. After sending everyone out of the room, Peter kneels and prays. Turning to the body, he commands, "Tabitha, get up!" (
Acts 9:40). She opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up. This miracle not only restores Tabitha to life but also strengthens the faith of many in Joppa, leading to numerous conversions.
Healing by Peter's ShadowActs 5:12-16 describes a period of extraordinary miracles performed by the apostles, with Peter playing a central role. The passage notes that many signs and wonders were done among the people, and believers were increasingly added to the Lord. Such was the power of God working through Peter that people brought the sick into the streets, hoping that even his shadow might fall on them as he passed by. The text states, "Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed" (
Acts 5:16). This account underscores the profound impact of Peter's ministry and the divine authority that accompanied his apostolic mission.
Significance and Theological ImplicationsThe miracles of healing performed by Peter serve as a powerful demonstration of God's compassion and authority. They affirm the continuity of Jesus' healing ministry through His apostles and validate the message of the Gospel. These acts of healing are not merely physical restorations but are deeply symbolic of the spiritual healing and salvation offered through faith in Jesus Christ. The miracles also highlight the role of faith and prayer in the life of the early church, as well as the importance of the apostles as chosen vessels through whom God's power was manifested to the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 5:15,16So that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Acts xix. 8, 9
... marvel, how, such signs having been wrought, they were not ... in our own times happened
those (miracles) relating to ... unto the kingdom of heaven, through the grace ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xli acts xix 8.htm
The Final Warning.
... whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with
the people of God through the time of ... Miracles will be wrought, the sick ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /38 the final warning.htm
The Final Warning
... whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with
the people of God through the time of ... Miracles will be wrought, the sick ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 38 the final warning.htm
This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... he has discoursed to us concerning the subjection of servants, and the ... power; but
that it was mere grace, that wrought through them all these miracles. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm
Of the Fourth Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... abode a month, during which time he wrought many miracles ... the fame of his sanctity
and of his miracles went forth ... and by his many prayers and through the merit ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the fourth consideration of.htm
A Seeker for Truth
... There are miracles to be wrought in genuine conversions,"miracles that are ... Through
the power of the Holy Spirit many will accept the divine principles ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm
Christ Teaching by Miracles
... thirty and forty of the mighty works wrought by our ... sunshine pours in at every window,
and through every crack ... In the fourth place, among the miracles of Jesus ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm
Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
... And they believed him, wondering at his miracles; for he ... from the city; and in these
places, through their prayers, many good deeds are wrought to the ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostles peter and paul/acts of the holy apostles.htm
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ...
... by them they saw such great miracles wrought; and saw ... of God, had done the great
miracles in Egypt ... are for their punishment justly barren through the spirit of ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxvii on the words.htm
Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... opus, invisaque facts," I take to be the miracles wrought by the apostles through
the might ... like Simon Magus, of whom we find record--were his servants. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/5 five books in reply.htm
Resources
Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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